Israeli teens serve as junior camp counselors at Davie JCC

A group of 12 teens from Israel were recently immersed for 10 days in American life as junior camp counselors at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie.

In partnership with the JCC, the program is funded through the Jewish Federation of Broward County.

A select group of high school-age Israeli students from the organization's partner city of Nesher are given this opportunity.

"While here, the teens work at the David Posnack JCC and interact with hundreds of children, giving them the opportunity to meet young Israelis and do fun activities together," said Pepi Dunay, the federation's vice president of community relations/Israel and overseas. "Our goal is to build people-to-people connections between our communities, as that is key to creating a lasting bond among Jews everywhere."

Among other activities, the youngsters participated in a discussion with American teens on the differences and similarities with Jewish life, helped lead services at Temple Solel in Hollywood, joined campers on a field trip to Islands of Adventure in Orlando, and went shopping at Sawgrass Mills.

Inbar Bzezinsky went through a stringent application process and was appreciative to be selected and be able to visit the United States for the first time.

"Everyone has been so friendly," she said. "We wanted to see Jewish America. I didn't know what to expect, but it has been great. It's beautiful. … This is like a second family here."

Nimrod Rotem had the same sentiments. He visited California when he was younger, but felt he wasn't at an age to really understand and enjoy it.

"We want people to walk away knowing we have a connection," he said. "Even though we come from different places, all of us are Jewish."

This year's community project was painting the room that houses the JCC's new TRX training program. The room, called the Bunker, was painted like camouflage.

"Very often you will find the connections here will last, with the host families and counselors especially," said Steve Klein, the JCC's assistant executive director and camp administrator. "They will end up wanting to go to Israel. It creates that personal touch."